HELP!!! IS THIS TULWAR GOOD OR FAKE???

FourBlades · 2nd September 2006, 12:11 AM

I am a new collector, can you describe the solution and procedure for etching a sword? I think I read that Keris are cleaned and etched using an arsenic/citric acid solution? I also realize that doing anything other than conservation to a good sword is usually not advised. If this has been covered before, maybe someone can point me to it.

Thanks,

John

Lew · 2nd September 2006, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FourBlades

I am a new collector, can you describe the solution and procedure for etching a sword? I think I read that Keris are cleaned and etched using an arsenic/citric acid solution? I also realize that doing anything other than conservation to a good sword is usually not advised. If this has been covered before, maybe someone can point me to it.

Thanks,

John

Hi John

Your question does not fit into this thread? May I suggest you do a search on our forum and you will find threads on etching swords. Ferric chloride solution 3 parts water 1 Ferric chloride will do fine or you can use vinegar.

Lew

Flavio · 2nd September 2006, 12:40 PM

Ok, it's time to show you what i have found etching the blade. What do you see? i'm not sure, but first the semicircular sign it's very strange

on the rest of the blade seems to show a lamination or not?

Lew · 2nd September 2006, 01:43 PM

Flavio

That is a nice sword but I don't think it's laminated in the true sense. I think it may be shear steel or double shear steel which is made by stacking blister steel and reforging it to refine the grain it often resembles a linear damascus pattern. This type of steel was common in the late 1800s and exported from England all over the world. Below is a a pic of a double shear steel blade notice the linear pattern.

Lew

Flavio · 2nd September 2006, 02:02 PM

Yes Lew, it's clearly the same steel. Thank you very much, i think that i can be quite happy with this tulwar. Thanks again

Battara · 2nd September 2006, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

Hi John

Your question does not fit into this thread? May I suggest you do a search on our forum and you will find threads on etching swords. Ferric chloride solution 3 parts water 1 Ferric chloride will do fine or you can use vinegar.

Lew

Good adivice since different cultures used different acids for different color and etching effects.

Flavio · 2nd September 2006, 09:17 PM

Hi all! I have contacted the seller to ask him if he knows something more about this sword. He told me that this was brought back from India during the 2nd World War from his grandfather. I don't know if this story is true, but in any case it fits quit good with all is emerged from the thread. Thanks to all for the help

2nd September 2006, 12:11 AM	#1
FourBlades Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 13	Etching? I am a new collector, can you describe the solution and procedure for etching a sword? I think I read that Keris are cleaned and etched using an arsenic/citric acid solution? I also realize that doing anything other than conservation to a good sword is usually not advised. If this has been covered before, maybe someone can point me to it. Thanks, John

2nd September 2006, 12:40 PM	#3
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Ok, it's time to show you what i have found etching the blade. What do you see? i'm not sure, but first the semicircular sign it's very strange on the rest of the blade seems to show a lamination or not? Attached Images

2nd September 2006, 01:43 PM	#4
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Flavio That is a nice sword but I don't think it's laminated in the true sense. I think it may be shear steel or double shear steel which is made by stacking blister steel and reforging it to refine the grain it often resembles a linear damascus pattern. This type of steel was common in the late 1800s and exported from England all over the world. Below is a a pic of a double shear steel blade notice the linear pattern. Lew Attached Images

2nd September 2006, 02:02 PM	#5
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Yes Lew, it's clearly the same steel. Thank you very much, i think that i can be quite happy with this tulwar. Thanks again

2nd September 2006, 09:17 PM	#7
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Hi all! I have contacted the seller to ask him if he knows something more about this sword. He told me that this was brought back from India during the 2nd World War from his grandfather. I don't know if this story is true, but in any case it fits quit good with all is emerged from the thread. Thanks to all for the help